Courtney Code

writings and workings

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Normal, 150 West 22nd Street

Staying true to their motto, “One size fits none,” the team at Normal has been 3D printing customized ear buds on 22nd street since the summer of 2014. The concept is simple: ear buds crafted to the shape of each ear offer both a more comfortable fit and more impressive sound quality. However, the process of acquiring custom-made earphones used to be complicated, lengthy, and expensive.

With the emergence of 3D printing technology and the innovative genius of Normal founder and CEO Nikki Kaufman, getting a pair of personalized headphones has become quick, painless, and reasonably priced. At the flagship store in Chelsea, customers can get fitted for their Normals and enjoy a cup of coffee while they watch the 3D printers work their magic. Once the machine has crafted the individual earpieces, the “ear magicians” in the lab assemble the rest of the product, complete with a sleek carrying case, as well as a remote and microphone that allow users to control the volume and answer calls.

Although we would encourage anyone purchasing a pair of Normals to witness the whole experience on 22nd street, ordering remotely is also an option. With Normal’s mobile app, users just snap a few pictures of their ears, choose the colors, and voila! Normal keeps them in the loop with notifications for each step of the process, and delivers the ear buds in as little as 48 hours.

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Bar Sardine, 183 West 10th Street

Previously Chez Sardine, this new neighborhood bar has no Japanese Izakaya but lots of good vibes. The space is small but comfortable, with an expansive bar and a few corner tables. For the best view, grab a spot at the marble bar that lines the windows at this corner spot. At the intersection of West 10th and West 4th Streets, one can people-watch on two different side streets at Bar Sardine.

When the Manhattan Sideways team grabbed a mid-week lunch on a cool November day to sample some of its highlights, chef Mendhi Brunet-Benkritly’s menu certainly did not disappoint. The Fedora burger was pretty high up on the list of our favorites. With smoked cheddar, crispy potatoes, cucumbers, and barbeque mayo, this unique creation is crunchy, a little spicy, and altogether delightful. Paired with the French fries and their maple-mustard dipping sauce, this meal is a slightly fancier take on the classic. We also indulged in the lunch special, a Cuban sandwich that substituted smoked pork shoulder for the ham and thin-sliced cucumbers for the pickles, served up on flaky, buttery ciabatta with gruyere melting off the sides.

Further, with a killer menu of cocktails, beers, and wines to accompany a meal—or to enjoy on their own— Bar Sardine has the drop-by-anytime atmosphere of a low-key neighborhood bar.

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FlowerSchool New York, 213 West 14th Street

Since 2003, Eileen Johnson and her team have been bringing master florists and students from all over the world to FlowerSchool New York. Their mission is to “help people live a richer life through flowers,” and they certainly succeed. The school offers classes for enthusiasts and professionals, at all levels and focuses. Eileen compared her school to a cooking school, where master chefs come to share their secrets. FlowerSchool does the same thing, just with a different aspect of entertaining and hospitality – flowers! The professional program here is really central, with weeks of training, often involving internships with local florists and study abroad trips to places like France and Holland.

This industry has often been very singular, with florists usually working alone to hone their own unique style. FlowerSchool has created a community of florists – among both teachers and students – out of previous competitors. Many unexpected paths cross here. When we visited FlowerSchool, we met students from Mexico, Brazil, Trinidad, and South Korea – all in the same class. One could only imagine what kind of beautiful arrangements could emerge from the intermingling of so many unique cultures. A peaceful place of creativity and collaboration, FlowerSchool New York is truly a side street gem.

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King Bee, 424 East 9th Street

The distinctive menu at King Bee pays tribute to the Acadian culture of French settlers in North America. Originating in Canada and then traveling to Louisiana, Acadian traditions lay the foundation for what would become Cajun culture and cuisine. The restaurant was created in collaboration between Chef Jeremie Tomczak, Eben Klemm, and Ken Jackson. Before opening the restaurant, the three went on research trips to rural Louisiana and Newfoundland, where they found inspiration for their entirely unique menu.

When the Manhattan Sideways team had dinner at King Bee, the food was certainly the main event. We started with the pork cracklings, which were the perfect introduction to the Acadian world. Deliciously crunchy, meaty, and greasy, their flavor was much bolder than expected. The fish and chips were a hit too – perfectly fried cod with simple garlicky roasted potatoes served with a classic remoulade. We also tried the Gumbo z’Herbes, a tasty gumbo, which, as the name indicates, was centered on flavorful herbs. Although made without the chunks of meat and vegetables characteristic of Cajun gumbo, the dish was still incredibly hearty and warmed our bones on a crisp fall evening. Saving a bit of room for desert, we shared a thick slice of pecan pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a classic that it is hard to beat.

Although the food took center stage, the hospitality and atmosphere were also top-notch. The space was simple and homey, with glowing exposed bulbs over each table and an eye-catching mural by New York artist Steve Keene decorating one wall. The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, and our waiter guided us through the menu, which he knew backwards and forwards, offering suggestions and recommending his personal favorites.

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Snowdays Shavery, 241 East 10th Street

Not quite a snow cone and not quite ice cream, the snow cream served at Snowdays is a fascinating hybrid of the two. The texture gives one the sense of eating actual snow, but once it melts, it is creamy and flavorful. Shaved to order, the snow cream comes off of large blocks in long ribbons, and is made on the premises from organic, locally sourced products on a daily basis. The options are plenty, with flavors ranging from Roasted Black Sesame and Coconut to NY Cheesecake and Yeti Tracks (their own creation with Oreos and blueberries).

Owner Tony Quach first encountered snow cream when living in Los Angeles, and simply could not resist bringing the unique snack back to New York. But the snow cream itself is just the beginning. With more than dozen toppings to choose from and sauces to drizzle on top, the possibilities are truly endless. For less creative snow cream enthusiasts, Snowdays offers a few of their own combos like The Original, The New Yorka, and Made in Taiwan.

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Amé Amé, 17 West 29th Street

Drawn in by the large “Enjoy Candy” marquee outside, guests will not be disappointed with what they find at Amé Amé. The word “amé” can mean both “candy” and “rain” in Japanese, and this shop celebrates both. At the entrance of the store are floor-to-ceiling shelves loaded with all kinds of sweet treats. A similar shelving unit on the opposite wall holds rain boots in all shapes, sizes and colors. The rest of the store is loaded with rain gear, travel necessities, and gift ideas.

While candy and umbrellas might not seem like an obvious combination, for owner Teresa, it makes all the sense in the world. She told us that she believes, “life is an adventure, and everyday is a special occasion.” She remembers rainy days as a little girl, eating candy at the movies. Days like that inspired her love of downpours. According to Teresa, “there is no bad weather, only bad umbrellas.”

Her store really does offer everything one could need to make themselves feel special. Whether they are about to embark on a trip or simply an adventure in the realities of daily life, Teresa encourages her guests to spoil themselves with Frances Smily lingerie or a beautiful and practical piece of Filson luggage. She sells a collection of hats and Happy Socks, and do not forget about the candy! Amé Amé truly has everything New Yorkers could need to feel special inside and out and from head to toe.

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Barcade, 148 West 24th Street

Ten years after opening their original place in Brooklyn in 2004, the four friends behind Barcade opened their first Manhattan location. A unique hybrid between a bar and an arcade, this space attracts gamers and beer enthusiasts alike. Among all four Barcade locations, there are 300 games, and the 24th street site houses the most. The gaming selection is balanced between standards – such as Asteroids and all three original Star Wars games – and more oddball finds like a maze game called Anteater and the desert-themed adventure Slither. Patrons compete for a hallowed place on Barcade’s high score board, which keeps track of the best of the best for each game.

While many come for the games, they stay for the beer. Barcade features twenty-five rotating taps of all-American craft beer. Their selection is all draft with no cans of Bud Light to be found. Each day, a new beer menu is printed, complete with in-depth descriptions of each brew, encouraging everyone to try something new. Sideways team member Courtney visited Barcade on the threshold of fall 2014, and owner Paul Kermizian poured her samples of that day’s options. She sampled Abita Pecan Harvest Ale, Southern Tier Pumking, and Fisherman’s Chili Stout. Each stood out in its own way, but she found the chili stout to be the most impressive – brewed with fresh jalapenos and habaneros, it was spicy and smokey.

As if the dozens of games and craft beers were not enough, Barcade also sets itself apart by operating entirely on wind power purchased from windmills in upstate New York.

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Peloton, 140 West 23rd Street

So much more than a spin studio, Peloton offers a unique fitness experience. At the 23rd Street flagship, one can take spin classes, enjoy a snack from Jack’s Stir Brew, and load up on exercise gear. Or, avid bikers can take the whole thing home.

The spin bikes created by Peloton feature a computer about as strong as the average tablet and four times as large. They allow riders to stream live classes from the studio on 23rd Street to their homes anywhere around the world. Now, instead of riding alone in the basement, one can engage with those in the studio and other at-home riders. An instructor will still provide personal shout-outs and push riders’ limits, just as if everyone were in the same room.

The focus at Peloton is community. Sideways team member Courtney really experienced this when she took a ride one Thursday morning. Instructor and co-founder Marion dedicated her ride to all Leos, giving personalized birthday shout-outs to each Leo rider along the way. The playlist was appropriately curated for the event, with Selena Gomez’s “Birthday” and Katy Perry’s “Roar.”

Even on less special occasions, Peloton does everything to take care of their community. Each ride includes shoe rental, bottled water, and a post-workout coffee or tea from Jack’s. The locker room has everything one could need from quality shower products to hair ties and bobby pins. Without having to worry about hauling all of these things to the gym, riders can de-stress, sit back (or stand up), and enjoy the ride.

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St. Mark's Bookshop, 136 East 3rd Street

Since 1977, St. Mark’s Bookshop has brought a specialized selection of small press literature, poetry, critical theory and contemporary art and photography to the East Village. Now, for the first time in twenty-one years, this independent book store is back to doing it on a side street.

The new space, although half the size of the old Third Avenue shop, is quite attractive. The books share a continuous bookcase that lines the perimeter, curving in the center to invite readers to explore titles tucked away on the back wall.

Owner Bob Contant describes the new East 3rd Street shop as “a kind of starting over opportunity.” Loyal customers will continue to seek out St. Mark’s, but the faces of drop-ins will shift from NYU students and faculty to neighbors in this residential area. Still as different from big box stores as can be, St. Mark’s will continue to feature the most interesting titles being published in their chosen specialties, selecting their inventory with great attention to detail and respect for their readers.

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Underline Coffee, 511 West 20th Street

Printed on the front window at Underline Coffee, one will find the phrase “a small, good thing.” To us, this is a perfect description of the cappuccino we enjoyed inside, but, for owner Brandon, it’s so much more.

Brandon and his wife Deb designed and built Underline from the ground up. They hand-stenciled the patterns on the floor, chose handmade copper appliances for the pour-over station, and built the thermochromatic bartop. This commitment to detail carries over into the coffee itself. Brandon himself fully curates Underline’s menu, finding the best beans for each flavor profile.

The personal, human touch is Underline’s signature. “A small, good thing” isn’t just a motto, but a mission. No matter what kind of day one may be having, Brandon hopes coming into Underline can make it a bit better. Get a drink to stay, served in a simple ceramic mug, chat with the friendly staff, and allow some time to enjoy “a small, good thing.”

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Sushi Seki, 208 West 23rd Street

Sushi Seki, the popular Upper East Side restaurant, has opened a Chelsea location on 23rd street, allowing downtowners to get their sushi fix right in the neighborhood.

Guests may choose from three distinctly different dining experiences. They may sit at a stand-alone table, or they can get up-close-and-personal at the sushi bar, where the expertise of Seki and his team are in full view. For a unique experience, guests may reserve one of the traditional dining rooms, where they are invited to remove their shoes and take a seat at the sunken table.

The space truly belongs to Chef Seki, whose family name means “stone.” The décor features various types of stone material, giving the room both a personal touch and a very earthy vibe. Above the host stand hangs a beautiful wooden plaque with the names of fish vendors, an exact replica of the original, which hangs in the other restaurant.

The food is even more stunning than the décor. Chef Seki prepared us a gorgeous sashimi platter with items ranging from salmon stuffed with finely minced onion to a poached oyster topped with a sliver of myoga ginger. Seki improvises quite a bit behind the sushi bar, and the results could not be more delicious. Pair his food with a selection from the bar’s collection of over 80 different sakes.

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Barchetta, 461 West 23rd Street

Barchetta is a delightful seafood trattoria located in the heart of Chelsea. The brainchild of Esca’s Chef Dave Pasternack and LDV Hospitality’s John Meadow, Barchetta highlights all the beauty of the Italian seaside using only the freshest local ingredients. Each day, in true ocean-to-table fashion, Chef Pasternack creates the menu around the best of that morning’s catch.

The décor is even more local than the food. In addition to six pieces from Alexandra Posen’s “Fields” series, Barchetta features rotating art from Chelsea’s galleries, some as close as a block away. Seating is split between the dining room floor and a raised mezzanine, separated by simple archways. These elements, plus the hardwood floors and brass accents allow diners to feel as though they are in a neighbor’s home while Chef Pasternack’s expertly crafted menu gives them a locally-sourced taste of the Mediterranean.

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1200 Miles, 31 West 21st Street

1200 Miles is the distance between Paris and Algiers, spanning the region that inspires this Flatiron restaurant’s menu. Chef Blake Schumpert features New American dishes influenced by all the best of Mediterranean cuisine. In one meal, guests can explore new tastes from France to North Africa, perhaps stopping over in Spain, Italy, or Greece on the way. The décor echoes this adventurous spirit, with beautiful old maps and globes that may inspire a healthy dose of wanderlust in each diner.

For travel enthusiasts who may need a quicker fix, 1200 Miles offers a $16 Flatiron Express lunch. This three-course menu changes weekly, so there is always something new to discover. Also, be sure to check out 1200 Miles's private dining room for your next event.

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Empire Diner, 210 Tenth Avenue

Chef and owner Amanda Freitag calls the Empire Diner “a restaurant wrapped up in diner clothes,” a perfect description for this chef-driven reincarnation of the iconic Chelsea establishment. Grateful to be a part of the diner’s rich history, Amanda continues Empire’s tradition while entirely reinventing the menu in her own style. The space remains classic with chrome details and vinyl booths, but the menu stretches far beyond expected diner fare. One can still find pancakes and patty melts, but do not miss out on Amanda’s more modern dishes such as her lemon chicken or pork on pork chop.

Out walking on a hot July afternoon, Courtney and I stopped in to enjoy both the food and the air conditioning. They offered us everything we needed to beat the heat. I had one of the lunch specials, a delicious chilled broccoli soup. Courtney had the Closet Vegetarian Sandwich – perfectly grilled tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, and mushrooms on fluffy ciabatta – and that day’s special milkshake, salted caramel. It was cold, sugary, and everything she needed to reboot.

There is truly something for everyone at Empire Diner. Perfect for newcomers – whether they be tourists or neighbors – the Empire also offers a taste of nostalgia. Many come carrying stories of their first date or first job here. Soon enough, this new Empire will have its own stories to tell.